ILO Hosts Event on Social Entrepreneurship and Social Solidarity Economy

Omeira outlined the defining characteristics of the SSE and its contributions, starting with social enterprises.

The event, led by Sophie Bacq, Professor of Social Entrepreneurship, began with an insightful presentation by Remo Becci, Unit Chief of Records and Archives Management Services, who provided a comprehensive overview of the ILO’s history. Becci highlighted the organization's unique tripartite structure, its normative mandate, and its various functions aimed at promoting social justice and decent work in an evolving international context.

Mansour Omeira, Social Innovation Specialist at the Cooperative, Social, and Solidarity Economy Unit, and a member of the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on SSE, delivered an in-depth presentation on the ILO’s leading role and the growing international support since the adoption of the Resolution concerning decent work and the SSE in June 2022. Omeira discussed evolving policies and legislation, the ILO's efforts to support these developments, capacity building for SSE, and the elaboration of international guidelines on SSE statistics.

Omeira outlined the defining characteristics of the SSE and its contributions, starting with social enterprises. He emphasized the need for a conducive environment that aligns with the nature and diversity of the SSE, ensuring that its values and principles are realized. He noted that SSE values can also inspire other enterprises. By contextualizing the SSE within broader efforts to promote sustainable enterprises, Omeira connected impact measurement at the enterprise level with decent work measurement at the societal level, highlighting the importance of bridging scholarship, policy, and practice.

During the interactive session, students linked the topics to their professional and personal experiences, sharing diverse perspectives and raising stimulating questions about the practical challenges and opportunities in advancing the sustainable development agenda.